Map of the innovation landscape in South Africa and framework conditions

Transcription

1 Strengthening Technology, Research and Innovation Cooperation between Europe and South Africa INVENTORY Map of the innovation landscape in South Africa and framework conditions DLR Project Management Agency 2017

2 Cover image accreditation: Top Collage, top-left: Lactobacillus casei (c)ajc1 ( CC BY-SA 2.0, top-right and bottom-left: CC0, bottom-right: Science (c)ironpoison ( CC BY- NC 2.0. Bottom collage, top-left: Font: acistock (c) Edicions La Veu del País Valencià ( CC BY-NC-SA 2.0, top-right: _MG_0011 (c)sandeep MM CC BY-NC 2.0, bottom-left: (c)esastap 2020 ( bottom-right: (c)annajhk ( CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Reproduction is permitted, provided the source and publisher are appropriately acknowledged. 2

3 Table of Contents Table of Contents... 3 Introduction SAccess ERAAfrika AeroAfrica-EU EDCTP PAERIP IST-Africa Initiative CAAST-Net-project EUROAFRICA-P Summary and Conclusions

4 Introduction This document is produced within the Task 4.4 which aims to link the ESASTAP Plus project with other projects of European-South African STI cooperation. The task will collect information on previous and ongoing coordination and support activities or projects inside and outside the FP. In this way this task will enable the set-up of an EU-SA project coordinators board allowing a direct exchange of information and experience as well as of developing synergies and coordinate similar activities of the identified projects. This activity will support the raising of awareness of each other s activities and a continuous exchange of information within the EU-SA project coordinators board. The results, activities and decisions of the -SA project coordinators board will be published through a dedicated web-space becoming part of the EU-SA Web-portal (Task 4.2). Following this objective this document identifies and gives short profiles of previous and ongoing European-South African STI activities. Those projects and activities were identified by desktop search and the collection of information by the partners of the project. During the investigation it was noticed that many European-South African activities are imbedded in European- African activities. In order to respect the prominent role of South Africa in European- African activities this document list in addition coordination and support activities with focus on EU-African STI cooperation. 4

5 1. SAccess ( Full Title: Supporting the EU access to South Africa s research and innovation programmes Start/ End: Funding body: European Union s (EU) 7th Framework Programme Description: SAccess was targeted at enhancing the participation of EU researchers from member states and associate countries, in research and innovation programmes facilitated by South Africa. SAccess aimed at serving EU researchers by identifying and highlighting the available opportunities for research collaboration through participation in South Africa's national research and innovation programmes. The official launch of the SAccess project took place in South Africa on 10 September 2009, in parallel with the South African Summit on S&T cooperation with Europe and will be running for the next 36 months. The project is a Coordination and Support Action funded under the International Cooperation priority (Access4EU) of the 7th Framework Programme. It is coordinated by HELP-FORWARD Network / FORTH, based in Greece, whilst the remaining partnership included the Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems (VINNOVA) in Sweden, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in South Africa, the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) in France, and the Agency for the Promotion of European Research (APRE) in Italy. Contacts: Constantine Vaitsas Project Coordinator vaitsas@help-forward.gr 5

6 2. ERAAfrika ( Full Title: Developing African-European joint collaboration for Science and Technology Start/ End: 01/12/ /11/2014 Funding body: European Union s (EU) 7th Framework Programme Description: ERAfrica is an ERANet that aims at establishing a long term strategic framework for communication and collaboration of African and European programme owners in science and technology to adress more effectively the global challenges of sustainable development. In order to reinforce the African-EU collaboration, joint funding schemes and procedures are to be developed. The joint activities result in a joint call for project proposals in the three areas of 'Renewable Energies', 'Interfacing Challenges' (e.g. linkages between food security, health, climate change, environmental issues) and 'New Ideas' which aims at funding outstanding interdisciplinary idea-driven projects that adress emerging fields and applications. The joint activities will strengthen the African research capacities and will have a strong impact on further research collaborations of European and African scientists. Contacts: Dr. Johan Viljoen ERAfrica Project Manager Institut de Recherche pour le Development (IRD) johan.viljoen@ird.fr 6

7 3. AeroAfrica-EU ( Full Title: European-South African Research Cooperation in Aeronautics and Air Transport Start/ End: Funding body: European Union s (EU) 7th Framework Programme Description: The project is supported by the EU 7th Framework Programme (FP7) funding programme under the Work Program AAT Stimulating research with international cooperation partner countries. This Coordination and Support Action (CSA) project has been implemented for two years and has end at the beginning of This project seeks to promote European-South African Research Cooperation in Aeronautics and Air Transport through the creation of a platform for enhancing aeronautics and air transport research and development cooperation between the European Union (EU) and South Africa (SA), and also exploring the potential for participation of other African countries in such cooperation. The EU is SA's largest research and development partner in the aeronautics and air transport domains. There are common aims and objectives between the EU and SA, and increasingly, the South African industry is tightly integrated with the European aeronautics community. Contacts: Cristina Pinto Project co-ordinator Wits Commercial Enterprise info@aeroafrica-eu.org 7

8 4. EDCTP ( Full Title: Start/ End: Funding body: European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership ongoing European Union s (EU) 7th Framework Programme Description: The European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) was created in 2003 as a European response to the global health crisis caused by the three main povertyrelated diseases of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. These three diseases account for over 6 million deaths each year, with greatest burden of disease in sub-saharan Africa, where besides ravaging lives, they impede development and cause poverty. EDCTP was set up under the European Commission s Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) for research and technological development, the European Union s main instrument for funding research in Europe. The current EDCTP programme will end in May It is anticipated that there will be an EDCTP II programme under Horizon 2020, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014 to 2020).The main goals of EDCTP are: to accelerate the development of new or improved drugs, vaccines, microbicides and diagnostics against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, with a focus on phase II and III clinical trials in sub-saharan Africa. To support multicentre projects that combine clinical trials, capacity building and networking. The aim of integrating these three activities is to ensure that the developed capacity is optimally utilised to successfully conduct the clinical trials in a sustainable way. Contacts: EDCTP Secretariat The Hague Laan van Nieuw Oost Indië 334 The Hague, The Netherlands Phone: /0897 Fax: EDCTP Secretariat Cape Town Francie van Zijl Drive, Parowvallei Cape Town, South Africa Phone: Fax:

9 5. PAERIP ( Full Title: Promoting African European Research Infrastructure Partnerships Start/ End: End early 2013 Funding body: European Union s (EU) 7th Framework Programme Description: PAERIP is a project funded under FP7 (Theme INFRA ). The project will create a dedicated initiative to promote research infrastructure partnerships between Europe and Africa. There is currently significant political attention on promoting science and technology partnerships between the European Union and Africa. The Joint Africa- European Union (EU) Strategy, adopted by Heads of Government at the December 2007 Lisbon Summit, notably includes a dedicated Science, Information Society and Space initiative. Several collaborative efforts are currently being implemented under this Partnership, with the support of the African Union Commission, the European Commission and African and European Union Member States. None of these initiatives are, however, specifically addressing research infrastructures except the targeted intervention to build high-speed research networking capacities in selected African countries under the AfricaConnect project. The Promoting African European Research Infrastructure Partnerships (PAERIP) project is specifically focused on addressing this void notably by undertaking a series of relevant studies, which will inform the organisation of policy dialogue and cooperation promotion events. Contacts: Department of Science and Technology South Africa (DST) webmaster@dst.gov.za 9

10 6. IST-Africa Initiative ( Full Title: Africa-EU Partnership on Science, Information Society and Space Start/ End: Started in 2002 Funding body: European Union s (EU) 7th Framework Programme Description: The IST-Africa Initiative is an active and growing partnership, founded by IIMC, Ireland in 2002 and is supported by the European Commission under Framework Programme 7 (FP7, ).The main activities of the projects are: During with European Commission funding under the IST Programme of Framework Programme 6 (FP6), IST-Africa has trained over 1,000 government officials and researchers in Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique and Tanzania (in key areas including egovernment, ehealth, elearning) and organised two very international research conferences in Africa; During with European Commission funding under the ICT Programme of Framework Programme 7 (FP7), IST-Africa has raised awareness of African research capacity, promoted participation of African organizations in the ICT Theme of FP7 (FP7- ICT), ACP-ICT and ACP-ST Calls and identified co-operation opportunities in fields of mutual interest. During the IST-Africa partnership expanded to include 14 African countries. IST- Africa has undertaken a review of ICT policy, ICT Initiatives and research priorities. IST- Africa in cooperation with LLiSA has authored a White Paper entitled Supporting the Evolution of Sustainable Living Labs and Living Labs Networks in Africa. During , IST-Africa is focused on supporting the Implementation of 8th Africa-EU Partnership on Science, Information Society & Space; strengthening the research dimension of Information Society policy dialogues between the European Commission and African countries and key regional organisations; analysis of African ICT research priorities, including long term perspectives aligned with EU priorities and recommendations for future Africa - EU co-operation initiatives, including identification of matching counterpart funding and raising wider awareness of African research capacity, promoting 10

11 participation of African organizations in the ICT Theme of FP7 and Horizon 2020 and identifying co-operation opportunities in fields of mutual interest. The goal is to increase visibility of mutual RTD potential and network relevant European and African stakeholders. The Annual IST-Africa Conference provides an opportunity to showcase relevant research capacity. Contacts: Paul Cunningham President & CEO IIMC International Information Management Corporation Limited 11

12 7. CAAST-Net-project ( Full Title: Coordination and Advancement of Sub-Saharan Africa-EU Science & Technology Cooperation Start/ End: 1/12/ / , CAAST Net Plus launched in 2013 Funding body: European Union s (EU) 7th Framework Programme Description: CAAST-Net is a network for the advancement of cooperation in science & technology between Europe and Sub-Sahara-Africa, funded by the European Union s (EU) 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7). The CAAST Net consortium of partners, comprising national structures with responsibility for international cooperation in science and technology from across Sub Saharan Africa and Europe, promotes cooperation on behalf of the two regions. Against the background of a global consensus that capacity in science and technology is an essential prerequisite to economic competitiveness, sustainable development and poverty reduction, CAAST-Net has been developed as a high level platform to advance international cooperation between Europe and Sub-Sahara Africa for mutual benefit. Enhancing the policy dialogue among African and European stakeholders is one strategic activity of CAAST-Net. In support of its goal, CAAST-Net has a range of activity clusters aiming: To support and inform Europe-Africa S&T policy dialogues and cooperation processes To foster dialogue processes between interested European parties and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in Sub-Sahara Africa To identify and prioritise common research areas of mutual interest and benefit To promote synergy between Europe-Africa S&T partnerships and development cooperation instruments To undertake specific activities dedicated to strengthening of the participation of African countries in the EU Framework Programme After five years in operation, the CAAST-Net project came to an end on 31 December 12

13 2012. As of 1 January 2013 most CAAST-Net partners, with some new partners, have begun work on a new four year project: CAAST-Net Plus. Contacts: Andrew Cherry Project co-ordinator Association of Commonwealth Universities andy.cherry@acu.ac.uk 13

14 8. EUROAFRICA-P8 ( Full Title: Supporting policy dialogues and cooperation with Africa to enhance ICT cooperative research links between Europe and Africa in the framework of the Africa-EU Strategic Partnerships Start/ End: 01/01/2012/to 31/12/2013 Funding body: European Union s (EU) 7th Framework Programme ICT Description: The 8th Africa-EU Strategic Partnership interlinks 3 priorities which can leverage a faster socio-economic development in Africa. Africa/Europe have recognised that the development of STI & the spreading of ICT to all components of a society are key. P8 new Action Plan lists as a priority the development of an inclusive information society in Africa. In that perspective is being formed a multi-stakeholder implementation group (co-chaired by the AUC/EC) aiming at enhancing cooperation between the 2 regions. The EuroAfrica- P8 project will support policy dialogues & cooperation with Africa to enhance ICT research links in the framework of P8. It will seek to promote collaborative research on ICT in the framework of P8/P3; promote a more coordinated approach of the European MS towards P8; carry on an update of the identification/analysis of joint ICT research priorities; provide evidence-based recommendations to the EC/AUC for future cooperation initiatives; organise events in both regions synchronised with policy dialogue meetings; strengthen ICT cooperative research links between European/African organisations with the aim of reinforcing P8; support the activities of the P8 implementation group; enhance the participation of African organisations in FP/ICT collaborative projects; and facilitate the access of EU organisations to third country programmes. The project is gathering partners able to significantly impact the expansion of Euro-African cooperation on ICT research in close liaison with the EC/AUC and in partnership with key stakeholders in the field. The Consortium consists of 12 partners having a significant experience of ICT policies in both regions, as well of Africa-EU S&T/ICT cooperation. They enjoy access to important networks and they have previously participated in FP projects. Collectively they complement in each other in such a manner that the consortium is well-balanced and qualified with all the necessary resources to reach the project objective. 14

15 Contacts: Karine VALIN (Ms.) 1240 ROUTE DES DOLINES BUROPOLIS SOPHIA ANTIPOLIS, VALBONNE, FRANCE Tel: Fax:

16 Summary and Conclusions Besides the ESASTAP Plus project, altogether eight EU-South African coordination and support activities could be identified. Six activities are still ongoing and would be important candidates to establish the EU-SA project coordinators board. In common following statement can be concluded: The identified and described projects are all supported though the European Union s (EU) 7th Framework Programme in the coordination and support actions program The identified activities cover not the research itself, but the coordination and networking of projects, programmes and policies of the involved partner counties. However, some activities allow financial support of research project, EU African research infrastructure partnerships or the application of scientific results. Most of the programmes are not thematically oriented. If thematically oriented the focus is on Health, ICT, Aeronautics or Space. 16

17 Strengthening Technology, Research and Innovation Cooperation between Europe and South Africa Follow us online contact@esastap.org.za